India Aarseth, a 7th grader at LFO, recently won a fencing competition in Sweden!
We caught up with India to find out more about her passion for fencing and her plans for the future.
How long have you been fencing?
I started two years ago, but I’ve been doing Taekwendo since I was 5, and it helps a lot with reflexes and distance in fencing.
Do you still practice Taekwendo?
Yes, I practice Taekwendo, fencing and dance every week. But what I really prefer is fencing.
How many hours a week do you practice?
I do 1h30 of fencing from Monday to Friday.
Would you like to be a professional fencer?
Yes, maybe I would.
I’ve always wanted to fence, so I gave up other activities to get into it.
The LFO offers a fencing activity among the AES, is that where you started?
Yes, I discovered fencing at the LFO, where I met my coach Anatoliy Herey. I decided to go and train with him at the Njård club, and I’m still there today.
Tell me a little about your coach Anatoliy.
His name is Anatoliy Herey, he’s a Ukrainian champion, and he’s so nice! I love training with him.
[Anatoliy Herey is a Ukrainian epee champion. Team gold medallist at the 2015 World Fencing Championships in Moscow and team silver medallist at the 2013 World Fencing Championships in Budapest, he now lives in Norway]
How long have you been competing?
It’s been a year, I’ve done about ten, and this is the second time I’ve won. I play in the -13 category.
Tell me more about this competition in Sweden.
It was the Kungsbakka Masters, in Kungsbakka, Sweden, and there were a dozen of us competing. It’s the first time I’ve won a competition outside Norway.
Do you have any other competitions coming up?
Yes, I’ve got one coming up in Bygdoy, then another in Stockholm, and soon the Norwegian Championships too!
Is fencing your favorite hobby?
Yes, it’s my passion. I’d like to do it for a long time to come!
Thanks again India for this interview, and congratulations on your victory!
The whole LFO team is very proud of you and wishes you every success in this wonderful discipline.
